Single-cell RNA sequencing unveils an IL-10-producing helper subset that sustains humoral immunity during persistent infection

Nat Commun. 2018 Nov 28;9(1):5037. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-07492-4.

Abstract

During chronic viral infection, the inflammatory function of CD4 T-cells becomes gradually attenuated. Concurrently, Th1 cells progressively acquire the capacity to secrete the cytokine IL-10, a potent suppressor of antiviral T cell responses. To determine the transcriptional changes that underlie this adaption process, we applied a single-cell RNA-sequencing approach and assessed the heterogeneity of IL-10-expressing CD4 T-cells during chronic infection. Here we show an IL-10-producing population with a robust Tfh-signature. Using IL-10 and IL-21 double-reporter mice, we further demonstrate that IL-10+IL-21+co-producing Tfh cells arise predominantly during chronic but not acute LCMV infection. Importantly, depletion of IL-10+IL-21+co-producing CD4 T-cells or deletion of Il10 specifically in Tfh cells results in impaired humoral immunity and viral control. Mechanistically, B cell-intrinsic IL-10 signaling is required for sustaining germinal center reactions. Thus, our findings elucidate a critical role for Tfh-derived IL-10 in promoting humoral immunity during persistent viral infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD4 Antigens / genetics
  • CD4 Antigens / metabolism
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Immunity, Humoral / genetics
  • Immunity, Humoral / physiology*
  • Interleukin-10 / genetics
  • Interleukin-10 / metabolism*
  • Interleukins / genetics
  • Interleukins / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Sequence Analysis, RNA

Substances

  • CD4 Antigens
  • Interleukins
  • Interleukin-10
  • interleukin-21